With all the spring loveliness that has burst out all around us, I have been feeling really inspired recently. Not only that, but my workspace has finally started to shape up very nicely - no longer does it resemble a lonely graveyard for unloved toys, bikes and garden impliments (now back in demand in the garden) - it actually has a work bench, drill stand, soldering block and lighting. No small thing.
So when I'm not waging a one-woman war againgst the slugs and snails who are ravaging our struggling veg seedlings, or managing my Etsy shop (more time consuming than you might imagine), the basement is where my family can find me, playing about with silver, beads and glass!
....And what better to herald the arrival of summer 'proper' than new jewellery? I'm really pleased with these lovelies - I'm very excited to be getting back (slowly) into silver smithing. I think combining beadwork with forged metals will be a very interesting creative process.
The silver on the daisy hoops is oxidised and smoothed in my huge rock tumbler (more of which coming soon) then brushed lightly with fine grade steel wool for subtle highlights on the textured areas.
The daisy chain danglies below look fabulous on, especially in the sunshine! They combine tiny teal, grass green and turquoise seed beads, most of which have a lovely irredescent finish.
I hope you are enjoying the sunshine, here's hoping for lots more. Have a great bank holiday.
